Jokes are an interesting device of communication in the human species. Generally a joke is emitted to get a humorous reaction and to please the audience. Sometimes jokes are at the expense of another person, race or class in order to pick up the supposed 'superior' people, race or class. Unfortunately there are too many of these jokes out there, only "meant to be in jest" or whatever crap people explain it away with. Unfortunately here in America there are still too many William R. Farrs.
From The Rocky Mountain News:
William R. Farr was pretending to read telegrams congratulating this year's award recipient, University of Colorado President Hank Brown, when he pulled out a piece of paper and said, "I have a telegram from the White House."
Then he added, "They're going to have to change the name of that building if Obama's elected."
Witnesses said they could hear people gasp in the ballroom of the Adam's Mark Hotel.
"I gasped," said Gov. Bill Ritter, who was sitting at the table with Farr.
Mayor John Hickenlooper said, "I don't think he (Farr) intended any mischief or malice, but it was inappropriate."
Afterward, Farr said he regretted making the remark and apologized to anyone offended.
"I apologize for that," Farr told a reporter as soon as the banquet ended.
Of course he apologizes for it. What politician wouldn't? Certainly every other politically astute and person of good moral fiber distanced themselves from Farr immediately. The audience was shocked. The fact remains the joke was made, and we all know where it comes from. Fear of change, loss of white power or whatever crap goes on in the little brains of people like Farr.
He can apologize all he wants, but we still sadly know that there are plenty of Americans out there that got a good laugh or at least a nervous chuckle. Racism is still alive and well, even if most of it nowadays is under the surface.
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